Coffee goes well with a bagel, or a donut, or even a piece of plain toast. But there are a few things it goes even better with: namely, all-nighters, 15-page papers, and final exams. Coffee is as much part of college culture as, well, 15-page papers and final exams. Although coffee goes well with school work, it’s more so that the combination is a necessity, like cereal with milk.
If you drink coffee now, you’re likely to consume even more in college. And if you don’t, you’ll probably start. Coffee has been and will forever be not just the crammer’s drink of choice, but the preferred beverage of the everyday student looking for that boost after an 8 a.m. bio exam. Some students are unable to escape the addicting, bitter hold of a half-a-pot-a-day habit; it’s something they’ll live with for the rest of their lives.
But before you become addicted, try another means of staying energized—and no, don’t just replace the coffee with some just-as-caffeinated, chemical-laced energy drink (you’re probably better off sticking to coffee in that case).
You’ve probably heard that exercising more will actually increase energy levels. It’s understandably difficult to hit the gym when you’re tired, but in this case, peer pressure can actually benefit you. As you’ll see during your first couple weeks, heading to the gym and being active are a big part of college life. While some freshmen are probably hoping just to stay clear of the dreaded “freshman 15,” most students workout to stay healthy, go figure. And as an activity that can be social,prepare to be asked many times if you want to go to they gym; don’t forget to pack your gym clothes. Regular exercise will keep those energy levels higher, and you’re guaranteed to feel better afterward. Instead of reaching for coffee, take a 10-minute treadmill jog and compare results.
Perhaps the gym’s just not for you, and you don’t like running and didn’t bring a bike to school. Fear not. College offers an array of different activities designed to get you moving and energized. Join a yoga club, play an intramural sport, receive credit to take a karate or swimming class. Some exercise will do you more good than a 20-oz coffee, and conversely, it’ll probably help you sleep at night.
If your dorm room is loaded up on snack foods, how much of it is actually healthy? Have anything high in protein or fiber? Most packaged, sweet snacks are high in carbohydrates, so that means quick energy and then, like coffee, a crash. Keep those snacks varied; toss in some fruit, nuts, or healthier cereal into the mix. And since college’s busy lifestyle might have you missing meals now and then, remember to actually eat! Coffee is coffee, but if it’s the only thing in your system, good luck feeling energized.
Napping, of course, is a great energy enhancer. Just try and not let those naps become six-hour sleeping sessions. Maintaining a regular sleeping schedule can be tough with classes starting and taking place at all hours of the day and evening. But don’t let your schedule rule your life. No matter if it’s late or early, go to bed around the same time and wake up around the same time. Staying up until dawn and then compensating with extra sleep will only throw your internal clock out of alignment, and an out-of-whack body is not an energized body.
Remember, you shouldn’t have to quit coffee cold turkey. You’ll know when you’re drinking too much, and that’s when it’s time to look into other means of energy. Still, allow yourself a cup or two when you’d like. It can be a great study aid, just don’t over do it.
